Were pugs used as a foot rest for royalty?

Answer 1

Yes! In 1532, under the command of Henry the VIII, the greatest event in dog wrangling history was about to be made. He had sent an invitation to all the world's most renowned dog wrangler's of the time; Petite Pierre of France, Bjorn the fist, Dingane the masterful, El Perrohombre, Ivan who speaks to dogs, and Momo the dogfaced dog who ruled the feared and unmapped dog lands at the time. Of course, all of these names any child will remember from their history text book, but wouldn't it have been a wonder to see them compete for such a great prize? The hand of Henry the VIII's tenth divorced wife, Betsy of molehill. They each brought their most powerful contender and a an attending court to ensure the dog's health and happiness. The procession into the castle is one that will never be forgotten. The most majestic creatures sat upon gold and velvet pillows, wrapped in jewels, and each carried by a cadre of swarthy decorated Greek slaves. The ensemble lit up the entire kingdom in such a way that has never been matched. Oh, the decadence! But then came the moment to which has been etched in all our minds since that glorious time of monsters and maidens. The king reclined into his throne with a great sigh, gesturing for the first master to bring his dog beneath his feet. Each animal was waved away with greater frustration by the king and as the time passed his despair grew. He began to wonder if it was even possible to attain the ultimate in luxury, a companion, a jester, and humble servant all rolled into one little furry ball. Just then, appeared a mutant of a creature. It had been rejected from a litter some time ago after a most unnatural coupling. It had no snout and instead the most ridiculous wrinkles. It was too small and lazy to compete or work. Its demeanor was too gentle and its appearance too laughable to make a good guard. Unless perhaps a thief were to die form laughing. The King called forth the strange animal. It tilted its head at The King and trotted forward, grunting as it moved. As it reached Henry, the absurd animal put on no airs and laid down at his feet snoring amidst the court. Curiously The King lifted a foot and then the other, hovering them over the squat thing as if in disbelief. And...well, you know the rest of the story. We all do. How could we forget? :)